49. California
Cost of living: 52 percent above the U.S. average
Population: 39.56 million (as of 2018, U.S. Census Bureau)
Best city: Beverly Hills, says Yahoo! Finance (if you can afford it!)
PRO: There is pretty much a consensus in regards to California’s natural beauty. This state is rich in the diversity of the surrounding nature; there are lush forests, some of the country’s largest natural parks, beaches, deserts, and a whole lot more. California also includes a number of big cities for those who like the fast pace of city life.
49. California
CON: California is second place, after Hawaii, in terms of high living costs. It looks like if you want good weather you have to pay for it! According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 19 percent of the population in California lives under the poverty line.
NEXT: James Naismith invented Basketball in this state in 1891.
48. Massachusetts
Cost of living: 38 percent above the U.S. average
Population: 6.902 million (as of 2018, U.S. Census Bureau)
Best city: Northampton, says Forbes
PRO: Massachusetts is a state with a lot of interesting history; it was one of the original 13 colonies, the landing spot of the Mayflower, the original Boston Tea Party, and more!
48. Massachusetts
CON: The state is also known as the Bay State and, according to Kiplinger, has high living costs, at 38 percent higher than the U.S. average. The cost of healthcare is also high, and so are taxes. And if you are not a fan of the cold then beware of the East Coast winters.
NEXT: The state flag’s design was done by Benny Benson, a 13-year-old.
